SPRINGFIELD – The city is seeking proposals for the purchase and development of a vacant commercial lot on Main Street in the South End, after rejecting bids received nearly a year ago.

The tax foreclosed property is at 609-611 Main St., and previously hosted a large building that housed a bottle redemption center and used appliance shop. The city demolished the building in December 2010.

The deadline for proposals is March 21, at 2 p.m., at the Office of Procurement at City Hall. The lot is 17,332 square feet and zoned Business B.

“In the last couple of years, we have seen a lot of investment in that area,” said Brian Connors, the city’s deputy director of planning and economic development. “We thought it was a good time to put it out (for sale), given the amount of activity.”

Development in the area has included major housing renovations by First Resource, and improvements and expansion of Emerson Wight Park. The 609-611 Main St. property is several blocks south of a proposed MGM Resorts casino.

The city received three proposals to buy the property last March, with a high bid of $37,700, proposed for retail uses. All three proposals were rejected as recommended by a city review committee, with price being just one factor considered, Connors said.

The assessed value of the property is $284,700.

Any proposal that is consistent with zoning will be considered, and the city is not required to select the highest price, if an alternate proposal is deemed in the best interest of the neighborhood and city, Connors said.

Proposals will be evaluated on factors including the buyer’s history and track record, the project feasibility, the readiness to proceed, ability to meet the goals of neighborhood revitalization, and financial benefits such as the price offered and tax revenues, according to the request for proposals.

The timetable anticipates final approval of the sale in April by the mayor and City Council.